Morning Read: Why off-track betting matters
A lot of New Yorkers are puzzled by the fact that the legislature is reconvening and twisting itself into pretzels over all those off-track betting parlors scattered about New York City and upstate communities.
There are two reasons why you should care. First, they generate a ton of revenue for local governments across the state. This from the Albany Times Union.
Fifty-one local governments receive revenue from the OTBs — $165 million over the past five years. They also employ thousands of people.
Secondly, those betting parlors provide the purses for the state’s big race tracks, including the venerable track at Saratoga. No betting parlors, no big paydays, no top horses.
Again from the T-U:
Last week, Republican Sen. Roy McDonald, whose district includes Saratoga Race Course, said he would be willing to vote for the governor’s plan if it prevents NYCOTB from going under — an outcome that would reduce the betting “handle” that draws top-quality horses to New York’s tracks.
This summer’s races in Saratoga were on the verge of being called off, thanks in part to the money squeeze from the off-track betting parlors.
That would devastate Saratoga Springs’ tourism economy, with repercussions felt deep into the North Country.
Tags: adirondacks, economy, politics
Nothing contributes more to the well being and moral fiber of an area than gambling.
Sheesh.
Excesses aside, it is just a form of entertainment. On the other hand it doesn’t create any new wealth, it just transfers wealth from one person to another.
Horse racing is a form of organized animal abuse. The horses are too young to run. That is why their legs break. A horse isn’t fully mature until about 4 or 5 years old and races are for 2 and 3 year olds.
Hundreds of horses die on the track every year. The real number of deaths attributable to racing is probably in the thousands if deaths (excuse me, “breakdowns”) during training were counted.
Gambling and animal abuse; we can do without it.
Gambling is gambling unless you know how to count cards, which is what the casinos do but for them it is legal because the house must always win.
Off track or at the track, it is still gambling. The house wins.
If you’re worried about jobs, Brian, why not come out in favor of prostitution and legalizing all drugs. At least you get something for the money you spend.